The Texas Senate has passed Senate Bill 2010, which targets guaranteed income programs like Harris County's "Uplift Harris." The bill, introduced by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), passed with bipartisan support by a 22-9 vote. SB 2010 aims to restrict local governments from using taxpayer funds for universal basic income (UBI) initiatives, as per the the Texas Senate release.
Harris County's "Uplift Harris" program had distributed $500 monthly for 18 months to households selected by lottery from over 82,000 applicants. Critics, including Bettencourt, argued that the program was a misuse of taxpayer money, lacking transparency and accountability, according to the same release.
SB 2010 would prevent cities and counties from starting or funding any guaranteed income programs, including those using gift cards or debit transfers. The bill does allow for programs related to job-search and job-placement efforts.
The bill now moves to the Texas House of Representatives, where Representative Ellen Troxclair has introduced a companion bill, HB 530. It remains to be seen whether the legislation will pass in the House and become law.
